Comments (21)

Unfortunately, the young believe they are invincible. No amount of warning them to drive slowly, not to take risks will make any difference. This lad has learned a very hard lesson, a very hard way and at the cost of someone's life. We either need to increase the cost of youngsters insurance so that they just can't afford to drive (although that will punish those young who are responsible, and maybe encourage some to simply drive without insurance) or tighten up on who can get a licence. I know I will prob get slated for saying this, but most accidents are because of men, showing off, driving too fast, drink driving etc. It's a shame that these idiots are allowed on the roads at such a young age. It costs people's lives!

Unfortunately, the young believe they are invincible. No amount of warning them to drive slowly, not to take risks will make any difference. This lad has learned a very hard lesson, a very hard way and at the cost of someone's life. We either need to increase the cost of youngsters insurance so that they just can't afford to drive (although that will punish those young who are responsible, and maybe encourage some to simply drive without insurance) or tighten up on who can get a licence. I know I will prob get slated for saying this, but most accidents are because of men, showing off, driving too fast, drink driving etc. It's a shame that these idiots are allowed on the roads at such a young age. It costs people's lives!MaryPoppins87

MaryPoppins87 wrote:
Unfortunately, the young believe they are invincible. No amount of warning them to drive slowly, not to take risks will make any difference. This lad has learned a very hard lesson, a very hard way and at the cost of someone's life. We either need to increase the cost of youngsters insurance so that they just can't afford to drive (although that will punish those young who are responsible, and maybe encourage some to simply drive without insurance) or tighten up on who can get a licence. I know I will prob get slated for saying this, but most accidents are because of men, showing off, driving too fast, drink driving etc. It's a shame that these idiots are allowed on the roads at such a young age. It costs people's lives!

Sadly one young life lost,and his friends life traumatised for what he did,but not all young drivers are dangerous,my 17 year old son passed his test 6 weeks after his 17th birthday,his insurance affordable for having a black box fitted,perhaps this should be a condition for under 21's,in my sons case it came in very handy,he had an accident in his car,the police,a resident whose fence he caught assumed he was speeding,but the black box confirmed the car cut out,and he was only doing 21 mph in a 30 zone.
I can moniter my sons driving at all times,in 9 months of driving he has exceded the speed limit only once,by 1mph,not bad at all,so please dont tar all young drivers as the same,thoughts are with the young lad who lost his life and of course his family.

[quote][p][bold]MaryPoppins87[/bold] wrote:
Unfortunately, the young believe they are invincible. No amount of warning them to drive slowly, not to take risks will make any difference. This lad has learned a very hard lesson, a very hard way and at the cost of someone's life. We either need to increase the cost of youngsters insurance so that they just can't afford to drive (although that will punish those young who are responsible, and maybe encourage some to simply drive without insurance) or tighten up on who can get a licence. I know I will prob get slated for saying this, but most accidents are because of men, showing off, driving too fast, drink driving etc. It's a shame that these idiots are allowed on the roads at such a young age. It costs people's lives![/p][/quote]Sadly one young life lost,and his friends life traumatised for what he did,but not all young drivers are dangerous,my 17 year old son passed his test 6 weeks after his 17th birthday,his insurance affordable for having a black box fitted,perhaps this should be a condition for under 21's,in my sons case it came in very handy,he had an accident in his car,the police,a resident whose fence he caught assumed he was speeding,but the black box confirmed the car cut out,and he was only doing 21 mph in a 30 zone.
I can moniter my sons driving at all times,in 9 months of driving he has exceded the speed limit only once,by 1mph,not bad at all,so please dont tar all young drivers as the same,thoughts are with the young lad who lost his life and of course his family.co2

I totally agree that this lad has learned a very hard lesson and a poor young man's life has been taken. What the poor mans family must have gone through and still be going through everyday is hard to comprehend and must be horrendous.
I do however think this lad did not set out to kill his friend, although I understand justice needed to be done. I agree youngsters do show off and this time it has ended in such tragedy. I also agree it is boys who try to be "boy racers" , I remember that from my teens.
Insurance is already very high, so I am not sure what can be done to help this situation.
Loss of life needlessly is happening too often in Colchester at the moment, it is so very sad. Lots of love to the parents of the lad taken too soon xx

I totally agree that this lad has learned a very hard lesson and a poor young man's life has been taken. What the poor mans family must have gone through and still be going through everyday is hard to comprehend and must be horrendous.
I do however think this lad did not set out to kill his friend, although I understand justice needed to be done. I agree youngsters do show off and this time it has ended in such tragedy. I also agree it is boys who try to be "boy racers" , I remember that from my teens.
Insurance is already very high, so I am not sure what can be done to help this situation.
Loss of life needlessly is happening too often in Colchester at the moment, it is so very sad. Lots of love to the parents of the lad taken too soon xxmumof4girls

MaryPoppins87 wrote:
Unfortunately, the young believe they are invincible. No amount of warning them to drive slowly, not to take risks will make any difference. This lad has learned a very hard lesson, a very hard way and at the cost of someone's life. We either need to increase the cost of youngsters insurance so that they just can't afford to drive (although that will punish those young who are responsible, and maybe encourage some to simply drive without insurance) or tighten up on who can get a licence. I know I will prob get slated for saying this, but most accidents are because of men, showing off, driving too fast, drink driving etc. It's a shame that these idiots are allowed on the roads at such a young age. It costs people's lives!

Sadly one young life lost,and his friends life traumatised for what he did,but not all young drivers are dangerous,my 17 year old son passed his test 6 weeks after his 17th birthday,his insurance affordable for having a black box fitted,perhaps this should be a condition for under 21's,in my sons case it came in very handy,he had an accident in his car,the police,a resident whose fence he caught assumed he was speeding,but the black box confirmed the car cut out,and he was only doing 21 mph in a 30 zone.
I can moniter my sons driving at all times,in 9 months of driving he has exceded the speed limit only once,by 1mph,not bad at all,so please dont tar all young drivers as the same,thoughts are with the young lad who lost his life and of course his family.

That's very admirable of your son. As I said in my first comment, not all young drivers are bad drivers, so putting the price of insurance up wouldn't be fair on all the sensible drivers, like your son. I also stand by what I said, in that, most often, it is young men that cause the accidents, as this article proves. It does not say a young female driver. It sounds like you've got a sensible young man there, and hopefully articles like this one will encourage more parents to have a more hands on approach with checking their teenagers driving. Good job

[quote][p][bold]co2[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]MaryPoppins87[/bold] wrote:
Unfortunately, the young believe they are invincible. No amount of warning them to drive slowly, not to take risks will make any difference. This lad has learned a very hard lesson, a very hard way and at the cost of someone's life. We either need to increase the cost of youngsters insurance so that they just can't afford to drive (although that will punish those young who are responsible, and maybe encourage some to simply drive without insurance) or tighten up on who can get a licence. I know I will prob get slated for saying this, but most accidents are because of men, showing off, driving too fast, drink driving etc. It's a shame that these idiots are allowed on the roads at such a young age. It costs people's lives![/p][/quote]Sadly one young life lost,and his friends life traumatised for what he did,but not all young drivers are dangerous,my 17 year old son passed his test 6 weeks after his 17th birthday,his insurance affordable for having a black box fitted,perhaps this should be a condition for under 21's,in my sons case it came in very handy,he had an accident in his car,the police,a resident whose fence he caught assumed he was speeding,but the black box confirmed the car cut out,and he was only doing 21 mph in a 30 zone.
I can moniter my sons driving at all times,in 9 months of driving he has exceded the speed limit only once,by 1mph,not bad at all,so please dont tar all young drivers as the same,thoughts are with the young lad who lost his life and of course his family.[/p][/quote]That's very admirable of your son. As I said in my first comment, not all young drivers are bad drivers, so putting the price of insurance up wouldn't be fair on all the sensible drivers, like your son. I also stand by what I said, in that, most often, it is young men that cause the accidents, as this article proves. It does not say a young female driver. It sounds like you've got a sensible young man there, and hopefully articles like this one will encourage more parents to have a more hands on approach with checking their teenagers driving. Good jobMaryPoppins87

MaryPoppins87 wrote:
Unfortunately, the young believe they are invincible. No amount of warning them to drive slowly, not to take risks will make any difference. This lad has learned a very hard lesson, a very hard way and at the cost of someone's life. We either need to increase the cost of youngsters insurance so that they just can't afford to drive (although that will punish those young who are responsible, and maybe encourage some to simply drive without insurance) or tighten up on who can get a licence. I know I will prob get slated for saying this, but most accidents are because of men, showing off, driving too fast, drink driving etc. It's a shame that these idiots are allowed on the roads at such a young age. It costs people's lives!

An enormous tragedy for the victim's family, and also a very tough lesson for the driver and his family.

Regarding your clear ageist and sexist agenda there are actually articles that suggest women are, proportionally, more likely to be in an accident. That was from the Daily Mail though, so I'll disregard it as nonsense... and put it in the same deserving bin as your initial views- which were based on nothing more than predjudice.

As far as your second comment, of course it doesn't mention a 'young female driver'. The story isn't about a young female driver, for goodness sake. That is like saying a story about an OAP murdering his neighbour demonstrates murders are only carried out by male OAPs.

Don't take a tragedy and use it to push your own myopic view.

[quote][p][bold]MaryPoppins87[/bold] wrote:
Unfortunately, the young believe they are invincible. No amount of warning them to drive slowly, not to take risks will make any difference. This lad has learned a very hard lesson, a very hard way and at the cost of someone's life. We either need to increase the cost of youngsters insurance so that they just can't afford to drive (although that will punish those young who are responsible, and maybe encourage some to simply drive without insurance) or tighten up on who can get a licence. I know I will prob get slated for saying this, but most accidents are because of men, showing off, driving too fast, drink driving etc. It's a shame that these idiots are allowed on the roads at such a young age. It costs people's lives![/p][/quote]An enormous tragedy for the victim's family, and also a very tough lesson for the driver and his family.
Regarding your clear ageist and sexist agenda there are actually articles that suggest women are, proportionally, more likely to be in an accident. That was from the Daily Mail though, so I'll disregard it as nonsense... and put it in the same deserving bin as your initial views- which were based on nothing more than predjudice.
As far as your second comment, of course it doesn't mention a 'young female driver'. The story isn't about a young female driver, for goodness sake. That is like saying a story about an OAP murdering his neighbour demonstrates murders are only carried out by male OAPs.
Don't take a tragedy and use it to push your own myopic view.No! I am Spartacus

Reading through the comments, I can see that people are bickering over individual views which is not unusual on here - but in this instance, I feel I have to comment too. This story affected me because the parents of young Josh are friends of mine. I see their devastation, I see their daily pain. I see their constant struggle to look to the future without their only son. Michael Lock destroyed everything for the family with his reckless behaviour. The 3 years is not enough. Please spare a thought for Josh's parents, his friends and those left with the biggest hole in their lives before you bicker over silly sentences or views left on here - just take a moment to consider what really matters, as life is very precious and can be taken away in seconds by foolish behaviour.

Reading through the comments, I can see that people are bickering over individual views which is not unusual on here - but in this instance, I feel I have to comment too. This story affected me because the parents of young Josh are friends of mine. I see their devastation, I see their daily pain. I see their constant struggle to look to the future without their only son. Michael Lock destroyed everything for the family with his reckless behaviour. The 3 years is not enough. Please spare a thought for Josh's parents, his friends and those left with the biggest hole in their lives before you bicker over silly sentences or views left on here - just take a moment to consider what really matters, as life is very precious and can be taken away in seconds by foolish behaviour.shazmooney

MaryPoppins87 wrote:
Unfortunately, the young believe they are invincible. No amount of warning them to drive slowly, not to take risks will make any difference. This lad has learned a very hard lesson, a very hard way and at the cost of someone's life. We either need to increase the cost of youngsters insurance so that they just can't afford to drive (although that will punish those young who are responsible, and maybe encourage some to simply drive without insurance) or tighten up on who can get a licence. I know I will prob get slated for saying this, but most accidents are because of men, showing off, driving too fast, drink driving etc. It's a shame that these idiots are allowed on the roads at such a young age. It costs people's lives!

An enormous tragedy for the victim's family, and also a very tough lesson for the driver and his family.

Regarding your clear ageist and sexist agenda there are actually articles that suggest women are, proportionally, more likely to be in an accident. That was from the Daily Mail though, so I'll disregard it as nonsense... and put it in the same deserving bin as your initial views- which were based on nothing more than predjudice.

As far as your second comment, of course it doesn't mention a 'young female driver'. The story isn't about a young female driver, for goodness sake. That is like saying a story about an OAP murdering his neighbour demonstrates murders are only carried out by male OAPs.

Don't take a tragedy and use it to push your own myopic view.

You're silly.

[quote][p][bold]No! I am Spartacus[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]MaryPoppins87[/bold] wrote:
Unfortunately, the young believe they are invincible. No amount of warning them to drive slowly, not to take risks will make any difference. This lad has learned a very hard lesson, a very hard way and at the cost of someone's life. We either need to increase the cost of youngsters insurance so that they just can't afford to drive (although that will punish those young who are responsible, and maybe encourage some to simply drive without insurance) or tighten up on who can get a licence. I know I will prob get slated for saying this, but most accidents are because of men, showing off, driving too fast, drink driving etc. It's a shame that these idiots are allowed on the roads at such a young age. It costs people's lives![/p][/quote]An enormous tragedy for the victim's family, and also a very tough lesson for the driver and his family.
Regarding your clear ageist and sexist agenda there are actually articles that suggest women are, proportionally, more likely to be in an accident. That was from the Daily Mail though, so I'll disregard it as nonsense... and put it in the same deserving bin as your initial views- which were based on nothing more than predjudice.
As far as your second comment, of course it doesn't mention a 'young female driver'. The story isn't about a young female driver, for goodness sake. That is like saying a story about an OAP murdering his neighbour demonstrates murders are only carried out by male OAPs.
Don't take a tragedy and use it to push your own myopic view.[/p][/quote]You're silly.MaryPoppins87

Hello to all. This is the parents of Joshua Irvine who was killed. We are aware that there was no intention to kill our son, but the moment lock made the decision to be stupid his car became a lethal weapon. Our son paid the price. We don't care how old someone is there are rules that apply. Lock will get to live his life our son's life was taken. Yes, everyone is not tarred with the same brush but it's far too easy for youngsters to have high performance cars. Why shouldn't insurance on these types of vehicle be more difficult to get. Their safety as well as others should matter.

Hello to all. This is the parents of Joshua Irvine who was killed. We are aware that there was no intention to kill our son, but the moment lock made the decision to be stupid his car became a lethal weapon. Our son paid the price. We don't care how old someone is there are rules that apply. Lock will get to live his life our son's life was taken. Yes, everyone is not tarred with the same brush but it's far too easy for youngsters to have high performance cars. Why shouldn't insurance on these types of vehicle be more difficult to get. Their safety as well as others should matter.irvy124

I think Ontheball means that 3 years is pathetic and that he should of got longer, i agree that he should of got longer as he has not only driven dangerously but he has also killed a much loved son and friend to many, if he was to drive the way he should of been driving then Joshua would still be here! The law nowadays is shocking like many have said it should be a life for a life!!!

I think Ontheball means that 3 years is pathetic and that he should of got longer, i agree that he should of got longer as he has not only driven dangerously but he has also killed a much loved son and friend to many, if he was to drive the way he should of been driving then Joshua would still be here! The law nowadays is shocking like many have said it should be a life for a life!!!lucy ely

When at school, young people are smothered with health and safety and as far as I am aware, not even allowed to have snowball fights. When they reach seventeen and after a few lessons and a test, they are allowed access to a ton of lethal metal. For a number of years, governments have talked about various ways of restricting young drivers in the first few years of their driving but so far nothing has been done and so the misery goes on!

When at school, young people are smothered with health and safety and as far as I am aware, not even allowed to have snowball fights. When they reach seventeen and after a few lessons and a test, they are allowed access to a ton of lethal metal. For a number of years, governments have talked about various ways of restricting young drivers in the first few years of their driving but so far nothing has been done and so the misery goes on!Route88

A few years in prison are probably enough. The prisons are overcrowded and it costs a lot to keep people in there.
Rather than a longer sentence, Michael Lock should serve his 3 years (i.e. 18 months) and then be banned from driving for life. The same p[rinciple should apply in all such cases.
There have been far too many cases of people killing other people with their cars, getting a short prison sentence, and a driving ban of a mere 3 or 5 years (much of which covers their time inside anyway).
Nobody has an absolute need to drive. Millions of people get through life quite happily without ever learning to drive. Michael Lock can do the same.

A few years in prison are probably enough. The prisons are overcrowded and it costs a lot to keep people in there.
Rather than a longer sentence, Michael Lock should serve his 3 years (i.e. 18 months) and then be banned from driving for life. The same p[rinciple should apply in all such cases.
There have been far too many cases of people killing other people with their cars, getting a short prison sentence, and a driving ban of a mere 3 or 5 years (much of which covers their time inside anyway).
Nobody has an absolute need to drive. Millions of people get through life quite happily without ever learning to drive. Michael Lock can do the same.Boris

MaryPoppins87 wrote:
Unfortunately, the young believe they are invincible. No amount of warning them to drive slowly, not to take risks will make any difference. This lad has learned a very hard lesson, a very hard way and at the cost of someone's life. We either need to increase the cost of youngsters insurance so that they just can't afford to drive (although that will punish those young who are responsible, and maybe encourage some to simply drive without insurance) or tighten up on who can get a licence. I know I will prob get slated for saying this, but most accidents are because of men, showing off, driving too fast, drink driving etc. It's a shame that these idiots are allowed on the roads at such a young age. It costs people's lives!

I think you are right, cant believe you have got so many thumbs down.

[quote][p][bold]MaryPoppins87[/bold] wrote:
Unfortunately, the young believe they are invincible. No amount of warning them to drive slowly, not to take risks will make any difference. This lad has learned a very hard lesson, a very hard way and at the cost of someone's life. We either need to increase the cost of youngsters insurance so that they just can't afford to drive (although that will punish those young who are responsible, and maybe encourage some to simply drive without insurance) or tighten up on who can get a licence. I know I will prob get slated for saying this, but most accidents are because of men, showing off, driving too fast, drink driving etc. It's a shame that these idiots are allowed on the roads at such a young age. It costs people's lives![/p][/quote]I think you are right, cant believe you have got so many thumbs down.shallowJoker

irvy124 wrote:
Hello to all. This is the parents of Joshua Irvine who was killed. We are aware that there was no intention to kill our son, but the moment lock made the decision to be stupid his car became a lethal weapon. Our son paid the price. We don't care how old someone is there are rules that apply. Lock will get to live his life our son's life was taken. Yes, everyone is not tarred with the same brush but it's far too easy for youngsters to have high performance cars. Why shouldn't insurance on these types of vehicle be more difficult to get. Their safety as well as others should matter.

Hi, and my thoughts go out to the family for all you are going through. It's so clear that a lot of young drivers are passing their test with the wrong attitude, I think you just need to watch barely legal drivers on BBC 3 and you wonder how some of these people have passed - eating McDonalds and doing their make up whilst driving. These things are dangerous for even an experienced driver. With regards to zooped up modified cars, I've worked in insurance and only a minimal amount of insurers cover highly modified cars for young drivers and those that do charge extortionate amounts. My boyfriend (wasn't with him at the time) had a highly modified Fiat Punto that was meant to be a show car. Declaring all the mods only Adrian Flux would cover him at over £4000. The car was only worth £1500, he couldn't afford this specialist insurance and therefore didn't disclose the modifications and got "normal" car insurance.
I think you'll find in most cases that these young people are not disclosing the mods to their insurers, so technically they are driving without insurance as if they had a claim it would be rejected.
Personally, I think between the ages of 17-20 it should be compulsory to insure with Coverbox policies (the black box that's previously been mentioned in comments) This gives the driver 3 years of driving sensibly and time to learn how things can take you by surprise on the road. So normal car insurance policies will only cover you over the age of 20.
Would mean a change in the law but a worthwhile one - and would hopefully bring down the cost of over 20 car policies.

[quote][p][bold]irvy124[/bold] wrote:
Hello to all. This is the parents of Joshua Irvine who was killed. We are aware that there was no intention to kill our son, but the moment lock made the decision to be stupid his car became a lethal weapon. Our son paid the price. We don't care how old someone is there are rules that apply. Lock will get to live his life our son's life was taken. Yes, everyone is not tarred with the same brush but it's far too easy for youngsters to have high performance cars. Why shouldn't insurance on these types of vehicle be more difficult to get. Their safety as well as others should matter.[/p][/quote]Hi, and my thoughts go out to the family for all you are going through. It's so clear that a lot of young drivers are passing their test with the wrong attitude, I think you just need to watch barely legal drivers on BBC 3 and you wonder how some of these people have passed - eating McDonalds and doing their make up whilst driving. These things are dangerous for even an experienced driver. With regards to zooped up modified cars, I've worked in insurance and only a minimal amount of insurers cover highly modified cars for young drivers and those that do charge extortionate amounts. My boyfriend (wasn't with him at the time) had a highly modified Fiat Punto that was meant to be a show car. Declaring all the mods only Adrian Flux would cover him at over £4000. The car was only worth £1500, he couldn't afford this specialist insurance and therefore didn't disclose the modifications and got "normal" car insurance.
I think you'll find in most cases that these young people are not disclosing the mods to their insurers, so technically they are driving without insurance as if they had a claim it would be rejected.
Personally, I think between the ages of 17-20 it should be compulsory to insure with Coverbox policies (the black box that's previously been mentioned in comments) This gives the driver 3 years of driving sensibly and time to learn how things can take you by surprise on the road. So normal car insurance policies will only cover you over the age of 20.
Would mean a change in the law but a worthwhile one - and would hopefully bring down the cost of over 20 car policies.Acejax

I am no doctor but that look on the drivers face does not look like a smug look to me.

If I was asked to take note of recent adverts by the NHS i would say the dropped side of the face is a possible result of a minor stroke.

The victim of a stroke may not be aware so this needs investigation after all it may be the cause of the accident.

If this turned out to be so the cause would be more understanable for the grieving family who our hearts go out to.

I am no doctor but that look on the drivers face does not look like a smug look to me.
If I was asked to take note of recent adverts by the NHS i would say the dropped side of the face is a possible result of a minor stroke.
The victim of a stroke may not be aware so this needs investigation after all it may be the cause of the accident.
If this turned out to be so the cause would be more understanable for the grieving family who our hearts go out to.Canvey visitor

Canvey visitor wrote:
I am no doctor but that look on the drivers face does not look like a smug look to me.

If I was asked to take note of recent adverts by the NHS i would say the dropped side of the face is a possible result of a minor stroke.

The victim of a stroke may not be aware so this needs investigation after all it may be the cause of the accident.

If this turned out to be so the cause would be more understanable for the grieving family who our hearts go out to.

I admire your impartial comments, very refreshing in this day and age. I do not think its a smug look but may be drop jaw, however he will get thorough examined when he goes to prison and if there is an issue with the jaw it will be investigated by the medical staff!

[quote][p][bold]Canvey visitor[/bold] wrote:
I am no doctor but that look on the drivers face does not look like a smug look to me.
If I was asked to take note of recent adverts by the NHS i would say the dropped side of the face is a possible result of a minor stroke.
The victim of a stroke may not be aware so this needs investigation after all it may be the cause of the accident.
If this turned out to be so the cause would be more understanable for the grieving family who our hearts go out to.[/p][/quote]I admire your impartial comments, very refreshing in this day and age. I do not think its a smug look but may be drop jaw, however he will get thorough examined when he goes to prison and if there is an issue with the jaw it will be investigated by the medical staff!totallyfootball

I'm the father of the son who he killed,
No that's not the look of someone who's had a stroke that is a smug look I should know that's the look I got 5 times we went to court plus smiling at me....
Just leering you know.
Joshua's father

I'm the father of the son who he killed,
No that's not the look of someone who's had a stroke that is a smug look I should know that's the look I got 5 times we went to court plus smiling at me....
Just leering you know.
Joshua's fatherirvy124